June 2021: Spotlight on... Diabetes

Did you know.... this week (14 to 20th June) marks Diabetes Week 2021?

Diabetes Week is an annual UK-wide initiative devoted to raising awareness of diabetes. Please use this Spotlight to signpost Waltham Forest residents at risk of diabetes to appropriate support and resources.

Tips for healthcare professionals

See these tips for assessing risk and accessing support for diabetes: Use the Know Your Risk tool to assess risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It only takes three minutes and can help prevent worse outcomes People at risk should ask their GP or NHS Health check professional to refer to the local Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme for a personalised high quality nutrition and exercise programme. Individuals can also self-refer by contacting info@preventing-diabetes.co.uk or calling 0333 577 3010 Visit https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/diabetes for more information on type 2 diabetes and services available in Waltham Forest.

Want to learn more about diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-term condition that occurs when a person has too much glucose in their blood and their body lacks the ability to break down the glucose to convert it to energy.

There are two main types of diabetes - watch these short films to learn more:

Type 1: What Is Type 1 diabetes? | 2 Minute Guide

Type 2: What Is Type 2 diabetes? | 2 Minute Guide

Diabetes in Waltham Forest

An estimated 22,000 adults in Waltham Forest have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, with a further 3,000 residents going undiagnosed.

Type 2 diabetes is the leading cause of sight loss, amputation, kidney failure, heart attack and stroke. Research shows that type 2 diabetes sufferers who contract COVID-19, have more severe symptoms, suffer poorer outcomes and are at a raised risk of premature mortality.

However, type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed if identified early, by making just a few lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle changes

About 90 per cent of people diagnosed with diabetes have type 2, which is often linked to being overweight or obese. However, there are steps that people can take to reduce their risk of developing the condition.

Simple changes – such as eating a healthier diet, being more active, quitting smoking or limiting alcohol intake – can help residents maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

What support is available?

The NHS National Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP) is an evidence-based programme of behavioural interventions for individuals identified at high risk of type 2 diabetes. The 9-month programme of intensive support is designed to help eligible individuals achieve a healthy weight through a healthy diet and exercise, reducing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

Find out more

Can anyone get diabetes?

Anyone can develop type 2 diabetes, although certain groups are at heightened risk: If you are over 40 (over 25 if black or south Asian) If you have a close relative who has type 2 diabetes If you are overweight If you have ever had high blood pressure The prevention and management of Type 2 diabetes presents a huge challenge to the health economy. Around 25% of the population of the UK are believed to be at high risk of diabetes.  Unchecked, around 10% of these will go on to develop full diabetes.  Helping people lower their risk Early identification of people at higher risk of the condition can help them to make lifestyle changes needed to reduce the risk.  It is important to communicate this risk as failing to control diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, sight loss, kidney failure - it can also lead to amputation of lower limbs.

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